We left our home having packed a few essentials (beers) and two motorcycles into a van, to head to an amazing location at the suburbs of Athens. We had so much fun riding on dirt.
DIRTY STORIES from The Real Intellectuals on Vimeo.
samedi 14 mars 2015
BSMC GEAR GUIDE #50
This week’s Gear guide features some terrific new-old-stock Buco helmets, warm and pretty Navy grade sweaters, a bright and beautiful backpack, a handsome twist on the classic engineer boot, and good looking no nonsense leather jacket.
PRODUCT REVIEW – NORTH SEA CLOTHING SERVICE SHAWL COLLAR JUMPER
Motorcycle shops and outdoor stores are full of the latest technical fabrics that claim to be this layer and that layer, offering protection from sand-storms and blizzards, keeping you cool when it’s hot and hot when it’s cold. In my mind all of them fall short of good old fashioned wool.
Wool has so many advantages over man made fibres: it is environmentally friendly, is biodegradable, renewable, long lasting and robust. It’s a breathable insulator, has high UV protection, and is naturally flame retardant. It’s natural elasticity helps keep the garment in shape after continual wear and washing.
Neil, of North Sea Clothing, an avid vintage clothes collector and a life long biker, focuses on manufacturing outdoor wear which is up to protecting the wearer to the harshest conditions. He draws his inspiration from the Original Submariner sweater issued to North Atlantic convoys in WW1 and WW2. He manufactures his sweaters to the exact specifications using the same 100% British wool.
These sweaters were adopted by the cafe-racers and ton up boys in the 50s and 60s, worn under leather jackets keeping them warm as they tore it up on old Brit thumpers.
The Service Shawl Collar Jumper is a variation on the Submariner, and is perfect to wear on the bike underneath a leather or wax cotton jacket. It’s ribbed knit creates a snug fit with a long waist and long cuff collars. It sits well under a jacket, and seals all the gaps that otherwise lead to nasty drafts. The shawl collar can be rolled up and fastened when on the bike, and rolled down when off. It’s comfortable and insulating whilst not being as all encompassing, and sometimes restricting, as the roll neck collar. It has cotton wear patches on the elbows and shoulder.
I’ve worn mine all winter, and with a silk base layer this has kept me warm in the nastiest of conditions. As the weather’s got warmer, it works well with just a t-shirt underneath, and because of its breathability will be comfortable far into spring.
As well as being practical it’s also just a really comfy and good looking jumper. It can be worn all day and night once you’ve got where you need to be, and if taken off packs down to next to nothing.
The Service Shawl Collar Jumper will last for years, if not decades, and like all of North Sea Clothing’s products, are worth the investment.
Photography by Ben Curwin.
ELMC – VINTAGE NEW OLD STOCK BUCO HELMETS.
Vintage motorcycle helmets are a highly collectible, and one of the most sought after manufacturers are Buco.
Gary at ELMC has managed to get his hand on a batch of old new stock. “They have never been used, but naturally, being many years old, there are some slight signs of storage soiling – boxes may have some staining and creasing etc – but generally the condition rating is a good 9/10.”
These wonderful lids are the original ‘jet helmet’ that have the desirable closer-ftting profile, much less bulbous than their modern-day counter-parts.
Buco helmets date back to the year 1933 when the company was founded in Detroit, Michigan, and the company sported the slogan of “Look better, feel better, are better”. Buco were very popular helmets in the 1950’s and 1960’s and were sold by all Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle dealers.
The Buco met the US safety standards at their time of manufacture, but now 40 odd years later, it’s unlikely they meet any contemporary standards. Therefore, Gary sells these helmets as vintage collectibles and he doesn’t advise them to be worn on the road.
Gary has stock in candy red, orange, white, yellow and silver.
These are a piece of motorcycle history, and look terrific.
PRODUCT REVIEW – CHIPPEWA CORDOVAN ENGINEER BOOT
During the depression era, The Chippewa Shoe Manufacturing Company, of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, developed a pair of boots with a stovepipe leg that was fashioned over their “English Riding Boot” last. These became the Engineer Boot. These were purposely designed as a stripped back safety boot with a lack of protruding fittings, nails or laces, preventing snagging injury when working around belt drive and line shaft machinery. The straight solid shaft with few seams could be readily waterproofed for those working in wet environments. For these reason they were quickly adopted by bikers, and to this day still remain one of the most effective boots for riding in.
Chippewa are a heritage brand. The company philosophy demands that Chippewa products use only premium raw materials and are hand crafted in the USA. To this day, their boots still carry the “Hand Crafted in the USA” labels as“…homage to the men and women that have built Chippewa.”
Today Chippewa still manufacture amongst the finest engineer boots money can buy. They make them in a number of different styles using different materials. I’ve recently got myself a pair of 11” Cordovan Plain Toe (as opposed to steel) Engineers. They’re made from a premium quality Cordovan hide, and built on a Goodyear leather welt, with a steel shank, Texon and maple leather heel insoles, with a Vibram v-bar black sole.
These fit true to size and are comfortable out of the box. The leather is supple and a lovely reddish mahogany tone. The shaft is narrower than my Redwing engineers, so sit under jeans easier and are less bulky in appearance. They have a high heel, and thus a deep inset, which when kick starting my Norton is a real advantage. They’re bedding in really nicely, and have kept my feet dry so far in the wet.
These are a terrific boot which should last me for years. They’re tough enough to ride hard, and handsome enough to keep on when I get to work or the pub.
Photography by Ben Curwin.
PRODUCT REVIEW – SIDEWINDER CANVAS BACKPACK
A decent backpack on the bike in essential, whether you’re commuting, touring, on a Sunday blast to the coast, or just humping round the bastard-big lock you can’t leave your bike without.
Sidewinder make a great backpack that is ideal for the bike. It’s a traditional design with a drawstring close, one internal pocket and one outside pocket. it’s dimensions are 46cm x 40 cm.
What’s really irritating with most backpacks is how fiddly it is to adjust the straps according to the load. Sidewinder have such a simple solution, using two buckles and straps, rather than a D slip lock. You just fasten it to fit whilst the backpack is on, getting rid of the need to take it on and off half a dozen times to get it right!
I’ve got the pack in a lovely orange. I have an aversion to hi-viz and day-glo, but on dark winter nights it’s good to be visible. This is a happy compromise that gets me seen without me looking like an extra from some early eighties Road Traffic Safety Campaign. They also come in indigo denim, striped canvas, yellow and black.
The build quality on these packs is ridiculous. Over engineered is an understatement. I’ve no idea what the maximum load is for one of these, but I’m pretty sure your back would break before the pack does. The hardwearing mid-tan pebble-grained leather straps are thick and securely nickel riveted and buckled, the straps are wide and comfortable, the rope fastener tough but waxed so it’s not rough, and the canvas is waxed, so waterproof, and thick enough to hold pretty much anything.
Sidewinder are a small London based manufacturer , and are “…dedicated to bringing you high quality, practical & classic accessories for the modern Gent around town. We are very proud that all our items are crafted in small quantities within the UK.”
This is a great backpack, fit for purpose, and handsome to go with it.
Photography by Ben Curwin.
PRODUCT REVIEW BY THE BIKE SHED’S STEVE SIMMONDS – REV’IT MELVILLE JACKET
There’s nothing worse than setting off for a ride and arriving so cold you could turn water to ice just by looking at it. Not a particularly useful skill unless you work in a Cocktail bar- which I don’t. Thankfully those days are over thanks to my new Rev’it duvet or as they call it the Melville.
The first thing I noticed about the jacket was the weight. Not so heavy it feels oppressive but this is a thick quality ‘winter warmer’. I’ve got the medium and the fit is perfect, not too long, or baggy and just the right length for me on the sleeves –an important fact some manufacturers don’t consider we spend most of our time with our arms out-stretched.
It’s a well-made bit of kit too, the jacket comes with a removable inner liner that zips securely in place and can obviously be removed if spring has now finally sprung. The inner has two super handy inside pockets too and although this jacket is well equipped in the pocket department on the outside I find these internal ones really useful.
Another detail I like is the fact that once you take the inner out the jacket still feels like it fits right and it still has another two internal pockets… did I mention this jacket has a lot of pockets!
It comes as standard with elbow and shoulder protectors built in and with an option to fit a back plate too if required. It’s 100% waterproof and so far I can testify to this. The poppers are sturdy and well made, each engraved with the Rev’it mark. Minute detail but I love the shade of the metal they have used too.
On the front the jacket has four ample pockets and you can’t help but compare it to the traditional look of a Belstaff. Now I don’t own a Belstaff so I can’t compare, but for me this jacket looks the part and over delivers in terms of comfort and warmth. If I had to, and I mean had to pick a detail I thought they could improve it would be the belt. It feels a little flimsy (compared to the thick quality of the rest of the jacket) and the metal of the buckle isn’t the same as the poppers… particular aren’t I! But this is really me trying to find fault in what really is a splendid jacket and I something I know will keep me as toastie as I was when I left the house.
Read all the techy bits here… http://www.revit.eu/en/#/products/FJT136
via The Bike Shed
ABSOLUTE GEM: DIAMOND ATELIER’S BMW R100R
We’re calling it: the custom boxer movement has reached critical mass. More BMWs are rolling off workbenches than ever before, so builders have to look at Bavaria’s sweetheart with fresh eyes to get noticed.
This neo-noir BMW R100R from Diamond Atelier is more of a swift kick to the jaw than a breath of fresh air. Astonishingly, it’s only the third build from the Munich-based shop—but it’s ganz wunderbar.
“There was talk of our first motorcycle [a stunning BMW R80] being an unrideable show bike,” says Diamond Atelier’s Tom Konecny. “Even though I raced it in the Glemseck 101 Sprint last year.”
“So with this build, we had to step it up. Not only in terms of visuals and details, but also performance and rideability.”
This time round, the duo wanted a donor with a bigger engine and better suspension, and managed to find a 1994 BMW R100R Classic. It’s basically a road-biased version of the contemporary R100GS.
A more aggressive stance was in order; dropping the front suspension by three inches achieved the desired effect. The wheels have been stripped and re-finished: rims in black, and hubs in gold metal-flake.
An offset was added to the rear hub to accommodate a 6.3-inch tire, and at the front, the guys selected the highest profile tire that would fit. Tom admits that Continental’s knobby TKC80s are not the best tire choice for a road bike—but says there’s still a decent amount of grip, and “the look makes up for a little wheelspin fun at the back.”
Tossing the R100R’s gawky stock tank and seat in the bin, Diamond Atelier fitted an older and more recognizable R-series tank—pitching it forward to match the bike’s new line. A new subframe and a hand-stitched leather seat follow through.
Up front, a perfectly aligned headlight from LSL adds a modern touch. (“And no, the headlight does not hit the front tire when riding through potholes,” says Tom.) There’s a small LED tail light poking out behind the seat.
Motogadget supplied the turn signals: m-Blaze Disc bar-end units up front, with new m-Blaze Pins mounted on the foot peg brackets for the rear. The requisite clip-ons and rear-sets are modified aftermarket items—the former fitted with custom CNC-milled controls.
Diamond Atelier also re-worked the R100R top triple clamp, then added a plate cut with their logo and the bike’s number on top. Set into it is the crowning jewel of this build (quite literally): a 0.17-carat diamond.
To wring as much power out of the engine as possible, Tom and Pablo have installed a pair of 40mm Dell’Orto carbs, K&N filters and an Akrapovic racing exhaust. Where the airbox once lived, they’ve fitted an elegant aluminum cover made by a German gentleman.
“He’s produced many pieces for old airhead boxers and Guzzis, but they were discontinued. We think we may have bought the last one.” It’s now adorned with a diamond motif.
Matching the upgrade in power is an improved braking system up front. That means a 320mm double floating brake disc kit, with Brembo calipers, a custom Brembo master cylinder, and braided stainless steel hoses.
Diamond Atelier wanted the final product to be as uncluttered as possible. So, they cut the wiring right down to the basics, replacing the BMW’s car-sized battery with tiny Linergy battery packs, hidden under the tank. The speedo’s as hidden as can be: it’s been mounted directly to the gearbox. While it’s not the most practical position, it’s just visible enough to be considered legal.
The finishes of DA#3 match its demeanor: dark and brooding. The tank is painted deep grey with gold pinstripes, and the rest of the bike is predominantly black—with tasteful gold highlights throughout.
The effect works. “Every time we ride this bike around downtown Munich, people pull out their smartphones and start taking pictures whenever we stop,” says Tom.
We’re not surprised—we can’t take our eyes off it, either.
Diamond Atelier website | Instagram | Facebook page | Images © 2015 Philipp Wulk.
via BIKEexif
Biaggi teste l'Aprilia WorldSBK à Vallelunga / Biaggi tests Aprilia WorldSBK bike at Vallelunga
Max Biaggi, le Champion du Monde eni FIM Superbike 2010 et 2012, était en piste mardi à Vallelunga, à côté de Rome, pour le début d'un test de trois jours avec l'Aprilia Racing Team - Red Devils, qui partira en Thaïlande avec Leon Haslam et Jordi Torres la semaine prochaine pour la seconde manche de la saison 2015.
Ce retour en piste était d'autant plus spécial pour l'ancienne star d'Aprilia que Vallelunga avait été le lieu de sa première victoire en WorldSBK (2007) mais aussi celui de l'annonce de son départ en retraite à la fin de la saison 2012.
« C'était un peu un retour dans le passé pour moi, » a déclaré Biaggi dans une interview avec Mediaset Italia. « J'étais venu ici il y a quelques années pour annoncer la fin de ma carrière sportive. J'ai évidemment eu un sentiment étrange en revenant ici. D'un côté j'avais vraiment envie de rouler et de l'autre il y avait mes souvenirs d'un ancien chapitre de ma vie. Ce sont cependant de bons souvenirs et je peux y repenser avec le sourire."
Reconverti en commentateur TV, Biaggi conserve un rôle de pilote d'essais pour la marque de Noale et a ajouté :
« J'aide à développer la Superbike. Nous poursuivons le programme, en faisant de petites modifications ça et là. Il y aura beaucoup d'inconnues en Thaïlande, les températures vont être élevées et ça pourrait être un problème. Nous essayons donc de trouver des solutions. »
Max Biaggi a terminé jeudi soir sa troisième et dernière journée d'essais de la semaine à Vallelunga,
L'Italien a bouclé un total de 137 tours et a déclaré :
« Nous avons essayé diverses solutions, certaines ont apporté quelque chose et d'autres devront être étudiées plus en détails, ce qui est normal lors de ce genre de tests. J'ai vraiment apprécié de remonter en selle, ça reveille toujours quelque chose en moi et j'avais un sentiment très positif. »
Tuesday saw Max Biaggi, eni FIM Superbike World Champion of 2010 and 2012, take to the race track at Vallelunga on the outskirts of Rome in Italy. This was for the start of a test ahead of next weekend’s second round of the 2015 season, in which Aprilia Racing Team – Red Devils riders Leon Haslam and Jordi Torres will be racing at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit for the first time.
For Biaggi, the return to Vallelunga was a special one, with the Italian having won the first WorldSBK race staged there in 2007 as well as announcing his retirement in a special event that was held at the venue late in 2012, after winning his second title.
“Well, this is like a return to the past for me,” the Roman admitted while speaking with Mediaset Italia. “It was here, some years ago, that I announced the end of my sporting career. Obviously, I have mixed feelings being back here now. On the one hand, there is a great desire to be riding bikes, and on the other hand there are memories from a previous chapter in my life. They are nice memories, though, and I’m able to think about them with a smile.”
Nowadays, Biaggi works as a television commentator in Italy, but maintains a role as tester for the Noale-based Aprilia factory.
“I am helping to develop the Superbike,” the 43-year-old adds. “We are continuing the programme, making a few small changes along the way. Thailand is going to be quite a mystery, with high temperatures which could cause some problems. For this reason, we are trying to prevent possible issues.”
The Chang Thai Round, the second race event of 2015, will be staged across the weekend of 20-22 March.
Max Biaggi has completed three days of testing at Vallelunga in Italy.
Biaggi racked up 137 laps in total, stating afterwards: “We have testing various solutions, some of which have benefitted us and others which need to be assessed further, as is normal when testing like this. Needless to say, I have enjoyed getting back into the saddle; it always flicks a switch inside me, giving a very positive feeling.”
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